Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 30

""Hey Cutie Pie."

The voice on the other end was husky and familiar, yet distant.

A familiar face popped into my mind, and I blurted out, "Wayne!"

I had hoped that changing my number would keep me off the Johnston family's radar, but I never expected Wayne to find this number and actually call me.

"Looks like you kept my number and didn't forget about me," Wayne's voice had that teasing edge.

He was only two years older than Jace. Before he left for abroad, he used to look out for me a lot and loved calling me Cutie Pie.

For a moment, I had no idea how to respond. His words sounded almost like he was complaining.

In the first couple of years after he left, I'd sometimes reach out, just to see how he was doing. But eventually, we lost touch.

Wayne was never the type to keep in contact. He barely talked to his family, so it was no surprise he didn't stay in touch with me.

I knew

rarely spoke to his family, they always shared

this number?" I asked straight out. I hated playing guessing

to top up

He remembered my number for ten years after topping up my

accident, my dad's phone became my cherished keepsake. One day, I found the number suspended due to

had no money and felt too embarrassed to ask Lindey and Matthew,

me about why I needed the money, thinking I might use it for something else. When I explained, he still didn't believe me and went with me to the payment center. Eventually, he paid for the

his call now, I joked, "Are

"Yep," he admitted.

wasn't serious but played along. "I can transfer the money to you

Wayne cut

the phone tightened, but I said nothing. Wayne

+15 BONUS

My parents are freaking out about you. They can't find you, and my mom... she

it to be this bad. Guilt and concern

all

seemed like I couldn't dodge this question. I knew I'd have to